Incisional Absorbent Dressing

ABSTRACT

Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure dressing may include a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, and a sealing member. The dressing bolster may be adapted to apply a compressive force to the tissue site capable of closing a wound or incision therein. The retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site to keep the tissue site substantially free of fluid and to prevent clogging of the reduced-pressure dressing. The sealing member may provide a seal over the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis of the patient. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 USC §119(e), of the filingof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/954,562, entitled “INCISIONALABSORBENT DRESSING,” filed 30 Jul. 2013, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/677,376, entitled “INCISIONAL ABSORBENTDRESSING,” filed 30 Jul. 2012, both of which are incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to medical wound care systems, andmore particularly, but not by way of limitation, to reduced-pressureincisional absorbent dressings, systems, and methods.

Depending on the medical circumstances, reduced pressure may be usedfor, among other things, reduced-pressure therapy to encouragegranulation at a tissue site, draining fluids at a tissue site, closinga wound, reducing edema, promoting perfusion, or fluid management.

Common dressings, systems, and methods typically include tubing,external canisters, and other components for providing reduced-pressuretherapy. These components may be cumbersome for the patient, expensive,and prone to leaking and blockages. Further, the dressing and associatedcomponents may require a particular orientation and installation inorder for the patient to receive effective therapy. Thus, improvementsthat enhance patient comfort and usability while maintaining orexceeding current treatment capabilities are desirable.

SUMMARY

Shortcomings with certain aspects of tissue treatment methods,dressings, and systems are addressed by this disclosure as shown anddescribed in a variety of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments herein.

According to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, areduced-pressure dressing for treating a tissue site on a patient withreduced pressure includes a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, asealing member, and a reduced-pressure interface. The dressing bolsteris adapted to be positioned proximate to the tissue site, between thetissue site and the retention pouch. The retention pouch is adapted toretain a fluid. The sealing member is adapted to cover the retentionpouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis of thepatient that is proximate to the tissue site. The reduced-pressureinterface is coupled to the sealing member for providing fluidcommunication to the reduced-pressure dressing.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a system fortreating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes areduced-pressure dressing, a reduced-pressure source, and areduced-pressure delivery conduit. The reduced-pressure dressingincludes a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, a sealing member, and areduced-pressure interface. The dressing bolster has a first side and asecond side. The first side of the dressing bolster faces opposite thesecond side and is adapted to be positioned facing the tissue site. Theretention pouch is adapted to retain a fluid and is positioned proximateto the second side of the dressing bolster. The retention pouch includesa first permeable layer, a second permeable layer, and an absorbentcore. The absorbent core is encapsulated between the first and thesecond permeable layers. The sealing member is adapted to cover theretention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis ofthe patient that is proximate to the tissue site. The reduced-pressureinterface is coupled to the sealing member and provides fluidcommunication to the reduced-pressure dressing. The reduced-pressuredelivery conduit fluidly couples the reduced-pressure source to thereduced-pressure interface.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method ofmanufacturing a dressing for use with reduced pressure to treat a tissuesite on a patient includes the steps of: providing a dressing bolsterhaving a first side and a second side, the first side facing oppositethe second side, wherein the dressing bolster is adapted to distributereduced pressure to the tissue site and to contract upon application ofreduced pressure; positioning a retention pouch proximate to the secondside of the dressing bolster, wherein the retention pouch is adapted toretain a fluid; positioning a sealing member over the dressing bolsterand the retention pouch, wherein a portion of the sealing member isadapted to sealingly engage the epidermis of a patient proximate to thetissue site; fluidly coupling a reduced-pressure source to the sealingmember, wherein the reduced pressure source is in fluid communicationwith the dressing bolster and the retention pouch.

Other features and advantages of the illustrative embodiments willbecome apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed descriptionthat follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of this disclosure may be obtained byreference to the following Detailed Description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a systemfor treating a tissue site on a patent;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an illustrative embodiment ofa reduced-pressure dressing depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the reduced-pressure dressing of FIG.1, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of areduced-pressure assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of a portion of an illustrative embodimentof a fluid capacity indicator depicted in FIG. 1, shown in an extendedposition;

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a portion of an illustrative embodimentof a fluid capacity indicator depicted in FIG. 1, shown in a retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG. 4 takenalong line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG.4 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG.4 taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the reduced-pressure assembly of FIG.4 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a fluid capacity indicator;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of areduced-pressure assembly with an electro-mechanical indicator;

FIG. 14A is a cross-section view of a portion of an illustrativeembodiment of a fluid capacity indicator depicted in FIG. 13, takenalong line 14-14, and shown in the extended position;

FIG. 14B is a cross-section view of a portion of an illustrativeembodiment of a fluid capacity indicator depicted in FIG. 13, takenalong line 14-14, and shown in the retracted position; and

FIGS. 15A-15E provide charts illustrating reduced pressure measured atfour locations over time in an illustrative embodiment of areduced-pressure dressing according to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description of the non-limiting, illustrativeembodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form apart hereof. Other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, structural,mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. To avoid detail notnecessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodimentsdescribed herein, the Description may omit certain information known tothose skilled in the art. Thus, the following Detailed Description isprovided without limitation and with the scope of the illustrativeembodiments being defined by the appended claims. Further, as usedthroughout the Description and unless otherwise indicated, “or” does notrequire mutual exclusivity.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 depict an embodiment of areduced-pressure treatment system 100 for treating a tissue site 102,such as, for example, an incision 104. The incision 104 may extendthrough or otherwise involve an epidermis 106, a dermis 108, and asubcutaneous tissue 110. The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 mayalso be used at other tissue sites.

The tissue site 102 may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, orother organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue,dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons,ligaments, or any other tissue. The treatment of the tissue site 102 mayinclude removal of fluids such as exudate or ascites.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a reduced-pressuredressing 112, a reduced-pressure subsystem 113, and a reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 115. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115 mayprovide reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure subsystem 113 to thereduced-pressure dressing 112.

In one embodiment, the reduced-pressure dressing 112 may include adressing bolster 114, a retention pouch 116, a sealing member 118, and areduced pressure interface 119. While the reduced-pressure system 100 isshown in FIG. 3 in the context of the reduced-pressure dressing 112 overan incision 104, the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may be usedon other tissue sites, including open wounds. Further, the dressingbolster 114 and the retention pouch 116 described herein may be deployedin place of a fluid distribution manifold used in connection with othertypes of reduced-pressure treatment systems. Thus, this disclosure isnot limited to the particular embodiments of the reduced-pressuretreatment system 100 described herein.

The dressing bolster 114 has a first side 120, a second side 122, andedges 123. The first side 120 and the second side 122 may terminate atedges 123 and face in opposite directions from one another. The firstside 120 of the dressing bolster 114 may be adapted to face inwardtoward the tissue site 102. The dressing bolster 114 may include aplurality of flexibility notches or recesses (not shown) that may belateral cuts in the dressing bolster 114. The dressing bolster 114 mayinclude one or more longitudinal cuts or other cuts. The flexibilitynotches may enhance the flexibility of the dressing bolster 114. Theenhanced flexibility may be useful when the reduced-pressure dressing112 is applied over a joint or other area of movement.

The dressing bolster 114 may be formed from any flexible bolstermaterial or manifold material that provides a vacuum space or treatmentspace, such as, for example, a porous and permeable foam or foam-likematerial, a member formed with pathways, a graft, a gauze, or othersimilar material. As a more specific, non-limiting example, the dressingbolster 114 may be a reticulated, open-cell polyurethane or polyetherfoam that allows good permeability of wound fluids while under a reducedpressure. One such foam material is the VAC® GranuFoam® materialavailable from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) of San Antonio, Tex. Anymaterial or combination of materials may be used as a manifold materialfor the dressing bolster 114 provided that the manifold material isoperable to distribute reduced pressure. The term “manifold” as usedherein generally refers to a substance or structure provided to assistin applying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removingfluids from a tissue site. A manifold may include a plurality of flowchannels or pathways. The plurality of flow channels may beinterconnected to improve the distribution of fluids provided to andremoved from the area of tissue around the manifold. Examples ofmanifolds may include, without limitation, devices that have structuralelements arranged to form flow channels, cellular foam, such asopen-cell foam, porous tissue collections, and liquids, gels, and foamsthat include or cure to include flow channels.

A material with a higher or lower density, or a smaller or larger poresize than GranuFoam® material may be desirable for the dressing bolster114 depending on the application. Among the many possible materials, thefollowing may be used: GranuFoam® material; Foamex® technical foam(www.foamex.com); molded bed of nails structures; patterned gridmaterial, such as those manufactured by Sercol Industrial Fabrics; 3Dtextiles, such as those manufactured by Baltex of Derby, U.K.; a gauze,a flexible channel-containing member; a graft; or similar material.Ionic silver may be added to the foam in a micro bonding process. Othersubstances may also be added to the foam, such as antimicrobial agents.

In one embodiment, the dressing bolster 114 may be a hydrophobic layer.The hydrophobic characteristics of the dressing bolster 114 may preventthe dressing bolster 114 from directly absorbing fluid, such as exudate,from the tissue site 102, but allow the fluid to pass through. Thus, asdepicted by the fluid communication arrows 117 in FIG. 3, the fluid maybe drawn away from the tissue site 102 using a reduced pressure source,such as the reduced pressure subsystem 113. Further, upon application ofreduced pressure, the porous foam-like nature of the dressing bolster114 as described above may permit the dressing bolster 114 to contractand apply a compressive force capable of closing a wound at a tissuesite, such as the incision 104 at the tissue site 102.

In one embodiment, a comfort layer 124 may be coupled to the first side120 of the dressing bolster 114. For example, the comfort layer 124 maybe coupled to the dressing bolster 114 by a heat bond 125, or any othersuitable technique. The comfort layer 124 may provide for patientcomfort when the dressing bolster 114 is placed adjacent to theepidermis 106 of the patient. The comfort layer 124 may be any materialfor preventing skin irritation and discomfort while allowing fluidtransmission through the comfort layer 124. As a non-limiting example, awoven elastic material or a polyester knit textile substrate may beused. As another non-limiting example, an InterDry™ textile materialfrom Milliken Chemical of Spartanburg, South Carolina, may be used. Thecomfort layer 124 may include anti-microbial substances, such as silver.

As used herein, the term “coupled” may include coupling via a separateobject and direct coupling. The term “coupled” may also encompass two ormore components that are continuous with one another by virtue of eachof the components being formed from the same piece of material. Also,the term “coupled” may include chemical, such as via a chemical bond,mechanical, thermal, or electrical coupling. Fluid coupling means thatfluid may be in communication between the designated parts or locations.

Continuing with FIGS. 1-3, the retention pouch 116 may include a firstpermeable layer 126, a second permeable layer 127, and an absorbent core128. In one embodiment, the absorbent core 128 may be encapsulatedbetween the first permeable layer 126 and the second permeable layer127. The first permeable layer 126 may have edges 126 a,b coupledrespectively to edges 127 a,b of the second permeable layer 127 aroundor otherwise encapsulating the absorbent core 128. The edges 126 a,b and127 a,b of the first and the second permeable layers 126, 127 may besecured or coupled to one another in any suitable manner, such as, forexample, by the heat bond 125 described above.

The retention pouch 116 may be adapted to retain fluid, such as fluidextracted from the tissue site 102. The first permeable layer 126 andthe second permeable layer 127 may each have a fluid acquisition surface129 facing in an opposite direction from a directional wicking surface130. The directional wicking surfaces 130 of the first and the secondpermeable layers 126, 127 may each have a grain (not shown) oriented ina longitudinal direction along the length of the reduced-pressuredressing 112. The orientation of the grain of the directional wickingsurfaces 130 may facilitate the wicking of fluid, such as fluidextracted from the tissue site 102, along the length of thereduced-pressure dressing 112. The wicking of fluid in this manner mayenhance the ability of the retention pouch 116 to retain and managefluid efficiently for preventing clogs as will be described in furtherdetail below. The retention pouch 116 may additionally include a recess131 capable of receiving or otherwise accommodating a filter 133. Thefilter 133 may be positioned in a gap 135 between the recess 131 and thesealing member 118 to further enhance the ability of thereduced-pressure dressing 112 to resist clogging. The recess 131 may beformed or defined, for example, by coupling the first permeable layer126 to the second permeable layer 127 through the absorbent core 128. Inanother embodiment, a portion of the absorbent core 128 may be removedto provide, for example, a notch 138 or other aperture, permitting thefirst permeable layer 126 to contact and to be coupled to the secondpermeable layer 127. The first and the second permeable layer 126, 127may be coupled, for example, by the heat bond 125 or other suitabletechnique.

The first and the second permeable layers 126, 127 may be any materialexhibiting the fluid acquisition and wicking characteristics describedabove, such as, for example, Libeltex TDL2, manufactured by Libeltex.The filter 133 may be formed of any suitable hydrophobic material andmay have a 3-dimensional shape.

The absorbent core 128 may be any material that retains liquids and may,for example, include one or more of the following: Luquafleece®material; BASF 402 c; Technical Absorbents 2317, available fromTechnical Absorbents (www.techabsorbents.com); sodium polyacrylate superabsorbers; cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose and salts such assodium CMC); or alginates. The absorbent core 128 may allow fluids andexudate removed from the tissue site 102 to be stored within theretention pouch 116 rather than external to the reduced-pressuredressing 112.

Similar to the dressing bolster 114, the retention pouch 116 may includea plurality of flexibility notches 121 or recesses that may be lateralcuts in the retention pouch 116. The retention pouch 116 may include oneor more longitudinal cuts or other cuts. The flexibility notches mayenhance the flexibility of the retention pouch 116 and increase theability of the retention pouch 116 to conform to, for example, the jointof a patient. Further, the enhanced flexibility may assist in preventingany interference with the ability of the dressing bolster 114 tocontract as described above.

The retention pouch 116 may have a maximum fluid capacity. At themaximum fluid capacity of the retention pouch 116, fluid communicationthrough the retention pouch 116 may be substantially precluded. Theretention pouch 116 may have a maximum fluid capacity of any amount tosuit a particular application. In one embodiment, for example, theretention pouch 116 may have a maximum fluid capacity of about 50milliliters.

In one embodiment, the dressing bolster 114 may be positioned betweenthe tissue site 102 and the retention pouch 116 with the first side 120of the dressing bolster 114 facing the tissue site 102. In thisembodiment, the fluid acquisition surface 129 of the first permeablelayer 126 may be positioned proximate to and facing the second side 122of the dressing bolster 114. Further, the fluid acquisition surface 129of the second permeable layer 127 may be positioned facing the absorbentcore 128.

The sealing member 118 may provide a fluid seal over the dressingbolster 114, the retention pouch 116, and at least a portion of theepidermis 106 of the patient. As such, the sealing member 118 may beformed from any material that allows for a fluid seal. “Fluid seal,” or“seal,” means a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desiredsite given the particular reduced pressure source or subsystem involved.The sealing member 118 may be sealed against the epidermis 106 oragainst a gasket or drape by a sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatusmay be, for example, an adhesive sealing tape, drape tape or strip,double-side drape tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, paste,hydrocolloid, hydrogel, or similar material. If a tape is used, the tapemay be formed of the same material as the sealing member 118 with apre-applied, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The pressure-sensitiveadhesive or other sealing apparatus may be applied, for example, on apatient-facing side of the sealing-member 118, or portion thereof, forproviding the fluid seal between the sealing member 118 and theepidermis 106. Before the sealing member 118 is secured to theepidermis, removable strips covering and protecting thepressure-sensitive adhesive may be removed.

In one embodiment, the sealing member 118 may be an elastomeric materialthat provides the fluid seal described above. “Elastomeric” means havingthe properties of an elastomer and generally refers to a polymericmaterial that has rubber-like properties. More specifically, anelastomeric material may have an ultimate elongation greater than 100%and a significant amount of resilience. The resilience of a materialrefers to the ability of the material to recover from an elasticdeformation. Examples of elastomers and elastomeric materials mayinclude, without limitation, natural rubbers, polyisoprene, styrenebutadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber,butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene dienemonomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide rubber,polyurethane, EVA film, co-polyester, and silicones. Further, thesealing member 118 may be, for example, a silicone drape, a 3M Tegaderm®drape, an acrylic drape such as one available from Avery Dennison, or anincise drape.

The sealing member 118 may include a first sealing member portion 132and a second sealing member portion 134. The first sealing memberportion 132 may extend over and beyond the retention pouch 116 and thedressing bolster 114 to form a sealing member extension 136. The sealingmember extension 136 has a first side (not shown) and a second side (notshown), and the first side may be adapted to face inward toward thetissue site 102. The sealing member extension 136 may be, for example, asealing member flange. A portion of the sealing member 118 may include asealing member aperture 137 to allow fluid communication between thereduced-pressure dressing 112 and a reduced-pressure source, such as thereduced-pressure subsystem 113.

The first side of the sealing member extension 136 may be placed on asecond side (not shown) of the second sealing member portion 134 that isadapted to face away from the tissue site 102. The sealing memberextension 136 and the second side of the second sealing member portion134 may be coupled, for example, by an adhesive, the previouslydescribed heat bond 125, welding, cements, or other suitable devices. Inanother embodiment, the first sealing member portion 132 and the secondsealing member portion 134 may be integrally formed. The first sealingmember portion 132 may include a plurality of bellows 142, folds, orstretch zones. The bellows 142 may provide additional material toenhance the ability of the sealing member 118 to stretch or to move. Forexample, if the reduced-pressure dressing 112 is used on a joint orother area of movement on a patient, additional material provided by thebellows 142 may enhance the ability of the sealing member 118 to moveand conform to the joint.

One or more release members (not shown) may be releasably coupled to thesecond side of the second sealing member portion 134. The releasemembers may provide stiffness and assist in deployment of thereduced-pressure dressing 112. The release members may be a castingpaper or a film held on the second side of the second sealing memberportion 134.

The reduced-pressure interface 119 may be coupled to the sealing member118 and may be in fluid communication with the sealing member aperture137 in the sealing member 118. The reduced-pressure interface 119 mayprovide fluid communication between the sealing member aperture 137 andthe reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115. The reduced-pressureinterface 119 may be formed as a component of a reduced-pressureassembly 140.

In one embodiment, the reduced-pressure interface 119 may include amembrane filter (not shown) in fluid communication with the sealingmember aperture 137 for prevention of clogs and transmission of odorsfrom the reduced-pressure dressing 112 during therapy. The membranefilter may be, for example, a hydrophobic or oleophobic filter.Additionally, the membrane filter may include a substance, such as, forexample, charcoal for controlling odor. The membrane filter may bereplaceable or formed integrally with the reduced-pressure interface 119and the reduced-pressure assembly 140, if so equipped. In anotherembodiment, the membrane filter may be positioned in any suitablelocation between the reduced-pressure dressing 112 and areduced-pressure source 144, described below.

The reduced-pressure subsystem 113 may include a reduced-pressure source144. The reduced-pressure source 144 may provide reduced pressure as apart of the system 100. The reduced-pressure source 144 may be anysuitable device for providing reduced pressure as described herein, suchas, for example, a vacuum pump, wall suction, or other source. Thereduced-pressure source 144 may be fluidly coupled to thereduced-pressure interface 119 by the reduced-pressure delivery conduit115. The reduced-pressure interface 119 may deliver the reduced pressurethrough the sealing member aperture 137 of the sealing member 118 to thereduced-pressure dressing 112 and the tissue site 102.

As used herein, “reduced pressure” generally refers to a pressure lessthan the ambient pressure at the tissue site 102 being subjected totreatment. This reduced pressure may be less than the atmosphericpressure or less than a hydrostatic pressure at a tissue site. Unlessotherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gaugepressures. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to atissue site may vary according to the application, the reduced pressuremay be between about −5 mm Hg to about −500 mm Hg, and morespecifically, between about −100 mm Hg to about −200 mm Hg.

The reduced pressure delivered may be constant or varied, patterned orrandom, and may be delivered continuously or intermittently. Althoughthe terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe thepressure applied to a tissue site, the actual pressure applied to thetissue site may be more than the pressure normally associated with acomplete vacuum. Consistent with the use herein, an increase in reducedpressure or vacuum pressure may refers to a relative reduction inabsolute pressure.

In one embodiment, one or more monitoring devices (not shown) may befluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115. Themonitoring devices may be, for example, a pressure-feedback device, avolume detection system, a blood detection system, an infectiondetection system, a flow monitoring system, a temperature monitoringsystem, or other device. In another embodiment, the monitoring devicesmay be formed integrally with the reduced-pressure subsystem 113 and/orthe reduced-pressure source 144.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a fluid capacityindicator 145 capable of indicating whether the retention pouch 116 hasreached maximum fluid capacity. The retention pouch 116 may communicatesreduced pressure applied to the reduced-pressure dressing 112 to thefluid capacity indicator 145. In one embodiment, the fluid capacityindicator 145 may be a component of the reduced-pressure assembly 140.In another embodiment, the fluid capacity indicator 145 may be aseparate unit in fluid communication with the retention pouch 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-11, the fluid capacity indicator 145 may beformed with a moving member 152 and a visual indicator 154 associatedwith the moving member 152. The moving member 152 may be adapted to movewhen reduced pressure communicated through the retention pouch 116exceeds a threshold pressure (P_(t)).

In one embodiment, the visual indicator 154 is an indicator member 162,such as, for example, a disk-shaped member 164. The disk-shaped member164 may also be a button or a member of any shape that indicates achanged state relative to pressure. The moving member 152 may be acollapsible wall 156 that has a first end 158 and a second end 160. Thefirst end 158 may be coupled to the indicator member 162. The second end160 may be coupled to a base 166. The collapsible wall 156 and theindicator member 162 form a pressure vessel with the base 166 or withthe retention pouch 116. The collapsible wall 156 may have a convexinterior surface 157 and may include baffles or other features to assistin collapsing the collapsible wall 156.

When reduced pressure delivered to the dressing bolster 114 andcommunicated through the retention pouch 116 to the fluid capacityindicator 145 exceeds the threshold pressure (P_(t)), the collapsiblewall 156 may collapse. When the collapsible wall 156 collapses, thevisual indicator 154 may move from a first position, such as an extendedposition shown in FIG. 5A, to a second position, such as a retractedposition shown in FIG. 5B. The collapsible wall 156 of the fluidcapacity indicator 145 may be sized and shaped to collapse or move theindicator member 162 substantially flush against the base 166 at thethreshold pressure (P_(t)). When the threshold pressure (P_(t)) nolonger exists, the visual indicator 154 may return to the extendedposition. At maximum fluid capacity, or when the retention pouch 116 isotherwise substantially saturated with fluid, the retention pouch 116may preclude the communication of reduced pressure to the fluid capacityindicator 145. Thus, the threshold pressure may not exist, for example,when the retention pouch 116 is substantially saturated with fluid.Accordingly, when in the extended position during therapy, the visualindicator 154 may indicate that the retention pouch 116 and/or thereduced-pressure dressing 112 have reached the maximum fluid capacity.

The thickness of the collapsible wall 156, wall material stiffness, andwall geometry are examples of variables that may impact the pressure atwhich the collapsible wall 156 collapses. The rigidity of the base 166may also be a factor. While the wall thickness of the collapsible wall156 may be determined using finite element analysis, it may be necessaryto empirically determine the wall thickness to achieve movement at thethreshold pressure (P_(t)). In some embodiments, the collapsible wall156 may be designed so that the collapsible wall 156 collapses by suddenbuckling as the threshold pressure (P_(t)) is crossed, providing abinary indication of the fluid capacity within the reduced-pressuredressing 112.

The fluid capacity indicator 145 may be formed on the base 166 with thereduced-pressure interface 119 as a component of the reduced-pressureassembly 140. In such an embodiment, the fluid capacity indicator 145may be in fluid communication with the retention pouch 116 through anindicator aperture 167. The fluid capacity indicator 145 may also be aseparate component from the reduced-pressure indicator 119 andreduced-pressure assembly 140 that is placed into fluid communicationwith the retention pouch 116.

The fluid capacity indicator 145, reduced-pressure interface 119, andbase 166 may be formed from a medical-grade, soft polymer or otherpliable material. As non-limiting examples, the fluid capacity indicator145, reduced-pressure interface 119, and base 166 may be formed frompolyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorosilicone,ethylene-propylene, or similar materials. In one illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the fluid capacity indicator 145,reduced-pressure interface 119, and base 166 are molded from DEHP-freePVC. The fluid capacity indicator 145, reduced-pressure interface 119,and base 166 may be molded, casted, or extruded, and may be formed as anintegral unit.

As previously described, the reduced-pressure interface 119 may be influid communication with the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115 fordelivering reduced pressure to the reduced-pressure dressing 112. In theillustrative, non-limiting embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-11, thereduced-pressure interface 119 may include a housing wall 176. Thehousing wall 176 may be dome-shaped or any shape that defines aninterior space 178 that has an open portion, or interface aperture 180,in fluid communication with the sealing member aperture 137 in thereduced-pressure dressing 112.

The housing wall 176 may have a receptacle 182 for receiving andmaintaining an end of the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the receptacle 182 may have a first aperture184 and a second aperture 186 in fluid communication with one another.The first aperture 184 may be large enough to allow the reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 115 to enter with an interference fit. The secondaperture 186 may allow fluid to enter, but restrict the reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 115 from entering. The first and the second apertures184, 186 may be in fluid communication with the interior space 178.

Referring to the previously described embodiments of FIGS. 1-11, in oneillustrative embodiment of operation, a user may place the first side120 of the dressing bolster 114 proximate the tissue site 102. Further,the user may place the retention pouch 116 proximate the second side 122of the dressing bolster 114. Subsequently, the user may place thesealing member 118 over the retention pouch 116, the dressing bolster114, and a portion of the epidermis 106 of the patient. The sealingmember 118 may be sealingly secured to the portion of the epidermis 106as described above. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 115 may becoupled to the reduced-pressure interface 119 and to thereduced-pressure source 144. In one embodiment, the reduced-pressuredressing 112 may be a pre-assembled component placed proximate to thetissue site 102 by the user.

The reduced-pressure source 144 may then be activated and for deliveringreduced pressure to the reduced-pressure dressing 112. Upon applicationof the reduced pressure to the reduced-pressure dressing 112, thedressing bolster 114 may contract and distribute the reduced pressure tothe tissue site 102. The contraction of the dressing bolster 114 mayapply a compressive force capable of closing a portion of the tissuesite 102, such as the incision 104. For example, the compressive forcemay have a first force component directed downward toward the tissuesite 102 and a second force component directed laterally across thetissue site 102. The combination of the first and the second forcecomponents may cooperate, for example, to urge the sides of the incision104 to a closed position.

As previously described, the dressing bolster 114 and the retentionpouch 116 may be formed of permeable materials that act as a manifoldfor providing fluid communication between the sealing member aperture137 and the tissue site 102. Thus, the reduced pressure distributed tothe tissue site 102 by the dressing bolster 114 may draw fluid away fromthe tissue site 102 toward the retention pouch 116 where the fluid maybe retained. As depicted by the fluid communication arrows 117 in FIG.3, the sealing member aperture 137 may be in fluid communication withthe edges 123 of the dressing bolster 114 along the sides of thereduced-pressure dressing 112. In this configuration, thereduced-pressure dressing 112 may not require fluid communicationthrough the retention pouch 116 in order for reduced pressure appliedthe reduced-pressure dressing 112 to reach the tissue site 102.Accordingly, when the retention pouch 116 has reached the maximum fluidcapacity, the reduced-pressure interface 119 may remain in fluidcommunication with the tissue site 102 at least by virtue of the fluidcommunication with the edges 123 of the dressing bolster 114. The fluidcommunication between the reduced-pressure interface 119 and the edges123 may permit the dressing bolster 114 to distribute reduced pressureto the tissue site 102 if the retention pouch 116 becomes substantiallysaturated with fluid, or otherwise clogged. In such a configuration, theedges 123 of the dressing bolster 114 may provide an independent ordirect fluid communication path between the reduced-pressure interface119 and the tissue site 102. Thus, when the retention pouch 116 hasreached the maximum fluid capacity, the reduced-pressure interface 119may be in fluid communication with the tissue site 102 at least throughan edge 123 of the dressing bolster 114.

The positioning of the dressing bolster 114 and the retention pouch 116as a layer relative to one another, with the retention pouch 116positioned above the dressing bolster 114 and away from the tissue site102, may permit the dressing bolster 114 to contract freely without anyinterference. Further, the thickness of the retention pouch 116 relativeto the dressing bolster 114 may provide additional benefit for theoperation of the dressing bolster 114. For example, FIG. 3 depicts thedressing bolster 114 as having a thickness greater than a thickness ofthe retention pouch 116. Although the reduced-pressure dressing 112 doesnot require the retention pouch 116 to be thinner than the dressingbolster 114, such a configuration may enhance the ability of thedressing bolster 114 to operate freely without interference from fluidbeing absorbed by the retention pouch 116.

As described above, the retention pouch 116 may include the first andthe second permeable layers 126, 127 that encapsulate the absorbent core128 for retaining fluid during treatment. As shown in FIG. 3, the firstpermeable layer 126 may be positioned proximate the dressing bolster 114and the second permeable layer 127 may be positioned proximate thesealing member 118. The fluid acquisition surface 129 of the firstpermeable layer 126 may face the dressing bolster 114 and thedirectional wicking surface 130 of the first permeable layer 126 mayface the absorbent core 128. Further, the fluid acquisition surface 129of the second permeable layer 127 may face the absorbent core 128 andthe directional wicking surface 130 of the second permeable layer 127may face the sealing member 118.

As fluid contacts the first and the second permeable layers 126, 127,the fluid may be distributed by each of the directional wicking surfaces130 along the length of the reduced-pressure dressing 112. The grain ofeach of the directional wicking surfaces 130 may be oriented along thelength of the reduced-pressure dressing 112 such that the fluid willfollow the direction of the grain by a wicking action without regard tothe orientation of the reduced-pressure dressing 112 on the patient. Assuch, the fluid may be distributed and absorbed by the absorbent core128 in a substantially even manner.

The configuration of the first and second permeable layers 126, 127 maybe particularly useful in managing fluid extracted from the tissue site102 within the reduced-pressure dressing 112. In one embodiment, asfluid contacts the fluid acquisition surface 129 of the first permeablelayer 126, the fluid may first be drawn into the retention pouch 116 andaway from the dressing bolster 114. Subsequently, the fluid may bewicked along the directional wicking surface 130 of the first permeablelayer 126 for absorption by the absorbent core 128. As fluid contactsthe directional wicking surface 130 of the second permeable layer 127,the fluid may first be wicked along the directional wicking surface 130of the second permeable layer 127, away from the sealing member aperture137. Fluid contacting the second permeable layer 127 may first be wickedaway from the sealing member aperture 137 to preclude clogging of thesealing member aperture 137. Clogging can occur, for example, fromexcess fluid near the sealing member aperture 137. Subsequently, thefluid may be drawn into the retention pouch 116 through the secondpermeable layer 127 and absorbed by the absorbent core 128. Thus, theconfiguration and positioning of the first and second permeable layers126, 127 relative to one another may direct fluid away from the tissuesite 102 and away from the sealing member aperture 137 for storage inthe retention pouch 116. In this manner, the tissue site 102 may be keptsubstantially free of fluids, and the sealing member aperture 137 may bekept substantially free of clogs.

The recess 131 on the retention pouch 116 may further enhance theability of the reduced-pressure dressing 112 to resist clogging. Forexample, the recess 131 may provide the gap 135 between the sealingmember aperture 137, which may be in fluid communication with thereduced-pressure interface 119, and the retention pouch 116. The gap 135may substantially preclude excess fluid from becoming lodged between thesealing member 118 and the retention pouch 116 near the sealing memberaperture 137. As an additional precaution, the filter 133 may bepositioned in the gap 135 to preclude excess fluids from reaching thesealing member aperture 137.

The storage and management of extracted fluids in the reduced-pressuredressing 112 may provide many benefits. The potential for clogging asdiscussed above may be reduced and the storage of fluids within thereduced-pressure dressing 112 may eliminate the need for externalstorage components that could potentially leak or cause discomfort.Further, the reduction in the number of components may lowers the volumethat must be maintained at reduced pressure, thereby increasingefficiency. Also, the reduced-pressure dressing 112 may be capable ofmanaging fluids without regard to any particular orientation of thereduced-pressure dressing 112 on the patient. Thus, the reduced-pressuredressing 112 at least provides increased comfort, usability, efficiency,and confidence that the patient is receiving effective treatment.

For operation, the fluid capacity indicator 145 may require that thereduced pressure being applied to the reduced-pressure dressing 112 becommunicated through the retention pouch 116 to the fluid capacityindicator 145. The communication of reduced pressure through theretention pouch 116 to the fluid capacity indicator 145 may provide apressure feedback signal to the fluid capacity indicator that is relatedto the fluid saturation of the retention pouch 116. Once the reducedpressure is greater, or more negative with respect to ambient pressure,than the threshold pressure (P_(t)), the fluid capacity indicator 145may give a visual indication that the pressure has passed the thresholdpressure (P_(t)). In this embodiment, when the threshold pressure(P_(t)) has been reached, the visual indicator 154 may move to aposition substantially flush with, or otherwise near, the base 166. Ifreduced pressure is interrupted such that the threshold pressure (P_(t))no longer persists, the visual indicator 154 may return to a positionindicating a lack of adequate reduced pressure. Such an interruption inthe reduced pressure could occur, for example, if the retention pouch116 becomes substantially saturated with fluid, thereby precluding orotherwise inhibiting the communication of reduced pressure to the fluidcapacity indicator 145. Thus, the physical position of the visualindicator 154 provides an indication as to the level of fluid saturationor capacity within the retention pouch 116 that may be easily understoodby the user.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment is illustrated for the fluidcapacity indicator 145. As shown in FIG. 12, the moving member 152 maybe an indicator sealing member 170 suspended over a convex member 172.The convex member 172 may be formed in a base or body 171 having anaperture 173 in fluid communication with the retention pouch 116. Theindicator sealing member 170 may be coupled to the convex member 172 byan adhesive 175 or other sealing device. The broken lines show theindicator sealing member 170 in a first position before the thresholdpressure (P_(t)) has been achieved, and the solid lines show theindicator sealing member 170 in a position approximating the convexmember 172 after the threshold pressure (P_(t)) has been achieved.

Continuing with the embodiment of FIG. 12, the visual indicator 154 maybe a combination of elements. If the indicator sealing member 170 is afirst color and a surface 174 is a second color, the combination mayvisually create a third color indicative of the threshold pressure(P_(t)) being achieved. In another embodiment, the indicator sealingmember 170 may be slightly opaque at a distance, but when brought intocontact with the surface 174 may allow visual indicia on the surface 174to be read.

The color changes and indicia schemes for the visual indicator 154mentioned in connection with FIG. 12 may also be utilized as an aspectof the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-11. In addition or as analternative, the moving member 152 may create an audible sound whengoing from a first position to a second position to signify audibly achange in state. For example, a “click” noise may be made as the movingmember 152 goes from a retracted position to an extended position andvice-versa.

FIGS. 13-14B depict another illustrative embodiment of areduced-pressure assembly 240 that may be used with a reduced-pressuresystem, such as the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 of FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 13, the reduced-pressure assembly 240 may include a base266 having a reduced-pressure interface 219 and a fluid capacityindicator 245. The reduced-pressure assembly 240 may be similar to thereduced-pressure assembly 140 of FIGS. 1-11. However, the fluid capacityindicator 245 associated with the reduced-pressure assembly 240 may bean electro-mechanical indicator 203. The electro-mechanical indicator203 may provide a visual indication if the threshold pressure (P_(t))does not exist, and may also provide a powered visual alert, an audiblealert, or an output signal for other use. Although FIG. 13 depicts theelectro-mechanical indicator 203 as a component of the reduced-pressureassembly 240, the electro-mechanical indicator 203 may be a separatecomponent.

The electro-mechanical indicator 203 may be formed with a moving member252 and a visual indicator 254 associated with the moving member 252.Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11, the moving member 252 may beadapted to move when reduced pressure communicated through the retentionpouch 116 exceeds a threshold pressure (P_(t)). The visual indicator 254may help a user to visualize the movement of the moving member 252. Inone embodiment, the visual indicator 254 may be an indicator member 262,such as, for example, a disk-shaped member 264. The disk-shaped member264 may also be a button or a member of any shape that signifies achanged state relative to pressure. The moving member 252 may be acollapsible wall 256 that has a first end 258 and a second end 260. Thefirst end 258 may be coupled to the indicator member 262. The second end260 may be coupled to the base 266. The collapsible wall 256 and theindicator member 262 may form a pressure vessel with the base 266 orwith the retention pouch 116. The collapsible wall 256 may have a convexinterior surface 257 and may include baffles or other features to assistin collapsing the collapsible wall 256.

The electro-mechanical indicator 203 may additionally include a thin,tactile pressure transducer 290 associated with the moving member 252and the visual indicator 254. When the moving member 252 collapses underreduced pressure, the tactile pressure transducer 290 may receiveadequate physical pressure or contact to create an indication signalindicating that the reduced pressure has met or exceeded the thresholdpressure (P_(t)). The tactile pressure transducer 290 may function togive a binary signal or may give a graduated signal, such as a voltagethat varies with the magnitude of the force or pressure.

The tactile pressure transducer 290 may communicate with a detectorcircuit 292. One or more electrical leads 293 may be used toelectrically couple the tactile pressure transducer 290 to the detectorcircuit 292. The detector circuit 292 may use the indication signal toprovide an alert when appropriate. The detector circuit 292 may be abattery-powered electrical circuit that has been miniaturized. Numerousother circuits are possible.

When the reduced pressure is at the threshold pressure (P_(t)), or morenegative relative to ambient pressure than the threshold pressure(P_(t)), the moving member 252 may move or collapse, causing a physicalforce to impinge on the tactile pressure transducer 290. The physicalforce on the tactile pressure transducer 290 may cause the indicationsignal to change states. The change in the indication signal may then beused to energize or de-energize an LED 294 or other powered visualdevice to provide a visual or audible signal to a user. In addition oras an alternative, the change in the indication signal may cause aspeaker 296, or other transducer, such as a piezo-electric device, to beenergized or de-energized to give a visual or an audible alert.

The tactile pressure transducer 290 may be any transducer or device thatcan detect that the moving member 252 has moved. The tactile pressuretransducer 290 may be, as non-limiting examples, a piezoresistive straingage, capacitive device, electromagnetic device, piezoelectric device,optical device, potentiometric device, or similar device. The tactilepressure transducer 290 may also include an integrated contact switchand a circuit that detects an open or closed state in response tomovement of the moving member 252. In one illustrative, non-limitingembodiment, a thin-film resistive force sensor may be used, such as, forexample, a FlexiForce® load sensor, available from Tekscan, Inc. ofBoston, Mass. (www.tekscan.com).

Any suitable circuit design may be used as the detector circuit 292. Forexample, in one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the detectorcircuit 292 may use a P-channel MOSFET (PFET). In this illustrativeembodiment, when the tactile pressure transducer 290 is exposed topressure, the impedance of the tactile pressure transducer 290 may dropto a low value. Without pressure, the tactile pressure transducer 290may have a high impedance. The LED 294 may be tied to the drain of thePFET so that when the PFET is off, there is no current through the LED.Thus, the PFET may act as an open switch. The tactile pressuretransducer 290 may be used as part of a voltage divider to drive thegate of the PFET. When the tactile pressure transducer 290 is exposed topressure, the impedance of the tactile pressure transducer 290 may below and the voltage divider may change to a high voltage, which biasesthe PFET off. In the absence of pressure, the impedance of the tactilepressure transducer 290 may be high and the voltage divider may changeto a low voltage, which biases the PFET on such that the LED willilluminate. A coin cell battery (not shown) may be mounted on the base266 to power the detector circuit 292. The detector circuit 292 may be aflexible member to facilitate comfort of the patient. Other circuits maybe readily used, and the components may be sterilized.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the tactile pressuretransducer 290 may develop an analog voltage signal. In this embodiment,the detector circuit 292 may be a comparator circuit to drive thepreviously described visual alert or audio alert. In anotherillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the tactile pressure transducer290 may develop an analog voltage signal and the detector circuit 292may provide a number of alerts based on the sensed analog voltage. Forexample, a green light may be displayed when the reduced pressure isgreater than the threshold pressure (P_(t)), and a yellow light may bedisplayed when the reduced pressure is lower than the threshold pressure(P_(t)), but not lower than an alarm pressure. A red light may bedisplayed when the reduced pressure is lower than an alarm pressure. Asthe level of fluid saturation in the retention pouch 116 increases, thecommunication of reduced pressure may decrease through the retentionpouch 116 to the fluid capacity indicator 254 associated with thetactile pressure transducer 290. Thus, the decrease in communication ofreduced pressure may correspond to an increase in pressure, or apressure that is less negative relative to ambient pressure, thatpermits the fluid capacity indicator 254 to return to an extendedposition as described above. Thus, the state of pressure indicated byeach of the alerts may indicate different degrees of fluid saturation ofthe retention pouch 116.

The use of the electro-mechanical indicator 203 may be particularlyhelpful in certain circumstances. For example, the electro-mechanicalindicator 203 may alert a patient who is sleeping of a problem thatmight otherwise not be apparent. The electro-mechanical indicator 203may simplify the visual reading or interpretation of the visualindicator 254.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15E, charts are provided that illustrate reducedpressure measured over a 24 hour period (1440 minutes) at four locationsin the reduced pressure dressing 112 during an experimental treatmentsession for simulating extraction of fluid from a simulated tissue site.Reduced pressure (measured in mm HG) is plotted on the vertical axis andtime (measured in minutes) is plotted on the horizontal axis. FIGS.15A-15E provide plot lines depicting a different location 302, 304, 306,and 308 in the reduced-pressure dressing 112 at which reduced pressurewas measured during the treatment session. FIG. 15A depicts eachlocation 302, 304, 306, and 308 plotted together and FIGS. 15B-15E eachdepict one location 302, 304, 306, and 308, respectively. Thus, FIGS.15A-15E illustrate the application of reduced pressure to a simulatedtissue site during operation of the reduced-pressure dressing 112.

Beginning with a dry, unsaturated reduced-pressure dressing 112, fluidwas instilled at a rate of at 2.083 milliliters per hour in thereduced-pressure dressing 112. A maximum volume of 50 milliliters offluid was instilled in the reduced-pressure dressing 112 and ultimatelyabsorbed by the retention pouch 116, described above, during thesimulation. Reduced pressure was applied to the reduced-pressuredressing 112 while the fluid was being instilled in a central locationon the underside of the reduced-pressure dressing 112. For a 1440 minutetime frame, reduced pressure in the reduce-pressure dressing 112 wasmonitored at the locations 302, 304, 306, and 308 equidistantly spacedon the underside of the reduced-pressure dressing 112.

Variations in reduced pressure measured at the locations 302, 304, 306,and 308 are based, in part, on the effect of the fluid entering thereduced-pressure dressing 112. Each of the locations 302, 304, 306, and308 for up to the 1440 minutes plotted maintained a reduced pressureranging between about 110 mmHg and 130 mmHg. Thus, FIGS. 15A-15E showthat the reduced-pressure dressing 112 effectively maintained reducedpressure to the locations 302, 304, 306, and 308 even when the retentionpouch 116 reached a maximum fluid saturation of 50 milliliters near theend of the simulation. Accordingly, the retention of fluid in thereduced-pressure dressing 112 will not interfere with the application ofreduced pressure to a tissue site, such as the tissue site 102, or withthe operation of the reduced-pressure dressing 112.

Provided herein is also a method of manufacturing a dressing for usewith reduced pressure to treat a tissue site on a patient. In oneillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method of manufacturing thereduced-pressure dressing 112 may include the steps of providing thepreviously described dressing bolster 114. Further, the method mayinclude the step of positioning the previously described retention pouch116 proximate to the second side 122 of the dressing bolster 114.Subsequently, the method may include the step of positioning the sealingmember 118 over the dressing bolster 114 and the retention pouch 116.The sealing member 118 may be adapted as previously described tosealingly engage the epidermis 106 of a patient that is proximate to thetissue site 102. Additionally, the method may include the step offluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source 144 to the sealing member118 such that the reduced pressure source 144 is in fluid communicationwith the dressing bolster 114 and the retention pouch 116.

In another embodiment, the step of positioning the retention pouch 116may include the steps of positioning the first permeable layer 126proximate to the second side 122 of the dressing bolster 114, providingthe absorbent core 128, providing the second permeable layer 127, andencapsulating the absorbent core 128 between the first and secondpermeable layers 126, 127.

In another embodiment, the method may additionally include the step offorming the recess 131 on the retention pouch 116. The recess 131 mayprovide a gap 135 between the sealing member 118 and the retention pouch116 that is proximate to the sealing member aperture 137. Thereduced-pressure source 144 may be in fluid communication with thereduced-pressure dressing 112 through the sealing member aperture 137.Thus, the gap 135 may be proximate to the coupling of thereduced-pressure source 144 to the sealing member 118. The method mayadditionally include the step of positioning a filter 133 in the gap135.

In another embodiment, the method may additionally include the step offluidly coupling the previously described fluid capacity indicator 145to the sealing member 118.

In another embodiment, the method may additionally include the step ofproviding a tactile pressure transducer 290 associated with thecollapsible wall 156 and operable to provide a signal indicative ofcontact with the collapsible wall 156.

Although this disclosure has been provided in the context of certainillustrative, non-limiting embodiments, various changes, substitutions,permutations, and alterations may be made without departing from thescope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Further, anyfeature described in connection with any one embodiment may also beapplicable to any other embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dressing for treating a tissue site,comprising: a dressing bolster; a sealing member adapted to cover thedressing bolster and to provide a fluid seal with the tissue site; and aretention pouch positioned between the dressing bolster and the sealingmember, the retention pouch comprising an absorbent core encapsulated byat least one permeable layer; wherein the dressing bolster and theretention pouch are adapted to move independently of each other underapplication of reduced pressure.
 2. The dressing of claim 1, whereinupon application of a reduced pressure to the dressing, the dressingbolster is adapted to contract and to apply a compressive force capableof closing an incision at the tissue site.
 3. The dressing of claim 1,wherein the dressing bolster is comprised of a hydrophobic materialadapted to distribute a reduced pressure to the tissue site.
 4. Thedressing of claim 1, wherein the dressing bolster is adapted to bepositioned between the tissue site and the retention pouch.
 5. Thedressing of claim 1, wherein the at least one permeable layer comprisesa first permeable layer and a second permeable layer, and the firstpermeable layer and the second permeable layer each comprise a fluidacquisition surface and a directional wicking surface, the fluidacquisition surface facing an opposite direction from the directionalwicking surface, wherein the fluid acquisition surface of the firstpermeable layer is positioned facing the dressing bolster and the fluidacquisition surface of the second permeable layer is positioned facingthe absorbent core.
 6. The dressing of claim 5, wherein the directionalwicking surfaces of the first permeable layer and the second permeablelayer each has a grain oriented in a longitudinal direction along alength of the dressing, the directional wicking surfaces of the firstpermeable layer and the second permeable layer being oriented to directfluid along the length of the dressing.
 7. The dressing of claim 1,wherein a portion of the at least one permeable layer is indented todefine a gap between the sealing member and the retention pouch andfurther comprising a filter positioned in the gap.
 8. The dressing ofclaim 1, further comprising an interface coupled to the sealing memberand adapted to be in fluid communication with the dressing bolster. 9.The dressing of claim 8, wherein the dressing bolster and the retentionpouch provide fluid communication between the interface and the tissuesite, and wherein when the retention pouch has reached a maximum fluidcapacity, the interface is in fluid communication with the tissue siteat least through an edge of the dressing bolster.
 10. The dressing ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one permeable layer comprises a firstpermeable layer and a second permeable layer, and a gap between thesealing member and the retention pouch is defined by an indented portionof the second permeable layer being coupled to the first permeablelayer.
 11. The dressing of claim 1, further comprising a fluid capacityindicator, the fluid capacity indicator comprising: a moving memberadapted to move under a reduced pressure communicated through theretention pouch; and a visual indicator associated with the movingmember.
 12. The dressing of claim 11, wherein: the moving membercomprises a collapsible wall; the visual indicator comprises anindicator member coupled to the collapsible wall that has an extendedposition and a retracted position; and the collapsible wall is adaptedto collapse under a reduced pressure greater than a threshold pressure(P_(t)).
 13. The dressing of claim 11, wherein: the moving membercomprises a collapsible wall having a first end and a second end; thevisual indicator comprises an indicator member coupled to the first endof the collapsible wall, the indicator member having an extendedposition and a retracted position; and the dressing further comprises abase coupled to the second end of the collapsible wall, the base beingcoupled to the sealing member.
 14. The dressing of claim 11, wherein:the moving member comprises an indicator sealing member over a convexmember having an interior surface with a first color; and the visualindicator comprises the indicator sealing member having a second colorthat changes appearance to a third color as the indicator sealing memberapproximates the interior surface of the convex member.
 15. The dressingof claim 11, wherein the visual indicator comprises anelectro-mechanical indicator.
 16. The dressing of claim 11, wherein whenthe retention pouch has reached a maximum fluid capacity, the retentionpouch substantially precludes the communication of the reduced pressureto the fluid capacity indicator.
 17. A dressing for treating a tissuesite, comprising: a dressing bolster; a sealing member adapted to coverthe dressing bolster and to provide a fluid seal with the tissue site; aretention pouch positioned between the dressing bolster and the sealingmember, the retention pouch comprising an absorbent core encapsulated byat least one permeable layer; and a fluid capacity indicator comprisinga moving member adapted to move under a reduced pressure communicatedthrough the retention pouch, and a visual indicator associated with themoving member.
 18. The dressing of claim 17, wherein: the moving membercomprises a collapsible wall; the visual indicator comprises anindicator member coupled to the collapsible wall that has an extendedposition and a retracted position; and the collapsible wall is adaptedto collapse under a reduced pressure greater than a threshold pressure(P_(t)).
 19. The dressing of claim 18, further comprising a tactilepressure transducer associated with the collapsible wall, wherein thetactile pressure transducer is operable to provide a signal indicativeof contact with the collapsible wall.
 20. The dressing of claim 17,wherein: the moving member comprises a collapsible wall having a firstend and a second end; the visual indicator comprises an indicator membercoupled to the first end of the collapsible wall, the indicator memberhaving an extended position and a retracted position; and the dressingfurther comprises a base coupled to the second end of the collapsiblewall, the base being coupled to the sealing member.
 21. The dressing ofclaim 17, wherein: the moving member comprises an indicator sealingmember over a convex member having an interior surface with a firstcolor; and the visual indicator comprises the indicator sealing memberhaving a second color that changes appearance to a third color as theindicator sealing member approximates the interior surface of the convexmember.
 22. The dressing of claim 17, wherein the visual indicatorcomprises an electro-mechanical indicator.
 23. The dressing of claim 17,wherein when the retention pouch has reached a maximum fluid capacity,the retention pouch substantially precludes the communication of thereduced pressure to the fluid capacity indicator.
 24. The dressing ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one permeable layer comprises a firstpermeable layer and a second permeable layer, and the first permeablelayer and the second permeable layer each comprise a fluid acquisitionsurface and a directional wicking surface, the fluid acquisition surfacefacing an opposite direction from the directional wicking surface,wherein the fluid acquisition surface of the first permeable layer ispositioned facing the dressing bolster and the fluid acquisition surfaceof the second permeable layer is positioned facing the absorbent core.25. The dressing of claim 24, wherein the directional wicking surfacesof the first permeable layer and the second permeable layer each has agrain oriented in a longitudinal direction along a length of thedressing, the directional wicking surfaces of the first permeable layerand the second permeable layer being oriented to direct fluid along thelength of the dressing.
 26. The dressing of claim 17, wherein theretention pouch comprises a recess defining a gap between the sealingmember and the retention pouch.
 27. The dressing of claim 26, furthercomprising a filter positioned in the gap.
 28. The dressing of claim 17,further comprising an interface coupled to the sealing member andadapted to be in fluid communication with the dressing bolster.
 29. Thedressing of claim 28, wherein the dressing bolster and the retentionpouch provide fluid communication between the interface and the tissuesite, and wherein when the retention pouch has reached a maximum fluidcapacity, the interface is in fluid communication with the tissue siteat least through an edge of the dressing bolster.
 30. The dressing ofclaim 28, further comprising a delivery conduit adapted for beingfluidly connected to the interface.
 31. The dressing of claim 28,further comprising: a reduced-pressure source; and a delivery conduitfor fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source to the interface.
 32. Adressing for treating a tissue site of a patient, comprising: a dressingbolster having a first surface and a second surface and adapted to bepositioned proximate to the tissue site; and a retention pouchpositioned proximate the first surface of the dressing bolster andcomprising an absorbent core encapsulated by at least one permeablelayer; wherein the retention pouch further comprises a portion where theabsorbent core is removed to provide a notch.
 33. The dressing of claim32, wherein the dressing bolster and the retention pouch are adapted tomove independently of each other under the application of reducedpressure.
 34. The dressing of claim 32, wherein the dressing bolster iscomprised of a hydrophobic material adapted to distribute a reducedpressure to the tissue site.
 35. The dressing of claim 32, wherein theat least one permeable layer comprises a first permeable layer and asecond permeable layer, and the first permeable layer and the secondpermeable layer each comprise a fluid acquisition surface and adirectional wicking surface, the fluid acquisition surface facing anopposite direction from the directional wicking surface, wherein thefluid acquisition surface of the first permeable layer is positionedfacing the dressing bolster and the fluid acquisition surface of thesecond permeable layer is positioned facing the absorbent core.
 36. Thedressing of claim 35, wherein the directional wicking surfaces of thefirst permeable layer and the second permeable layer each has a grainoriented in a longitudinal direction along a length of the dressing, thedirectional wicking surfaces of the first permeable layer and the secondpermeable layer being oriented to direct fluid along the length of thedressing.
 37. The dressing of claim 32, further comprising a sealingmember adapted to cover the retention pouch and the dressing bolster andto provide a fluid seal between the dressing and the tissue site. 38.The dressing of claim 37, wherein the retention pouch comprises a recessin the at least one permeable layer that defines a gap between a sealingmember aperture of the sealing member and the retention pouch.
 39. Thedressing of claim 37, further comprising an interface coupled to thesealing member and adapted to be in fluid communication with thedressing bolster.
 40. The dressing of claim 37, further comprising afluid capacity indicator, the fluid capacity indicator comprising: amoving member adapted to move under a reduced pressure communicatedthrough the retention pouch; and a visual indicator associated with themoving member.
 41. The dressing of claim 40, wherein: the moving membercomprises a collapsible wall having a first end and a second end; thevisual indicator comprises an indicator member coupled to the first endof the collapsible wall, the indicator member having an extendedposition and a retracted position; the collapsible wall is adapted tocollapse under a reduced pressure greater than a threshold pressure(P_(t)); and the dressing further comprises a base coupled to the secondend of the collapsible wall.
 42. A dressing for treating a tissue site,comprising: a dressing bolster; a sealing member adapted to cover thedressing bolster and to provide a fluid seal with the tissue site; and aretention pouch positioned between the dressing bolster and the sealingmember, the retention pouch comprising an absorbent core encapsulated byat least one permeable layer, wherein a portion of the at least onepermeable layer is indented to define a gap between the sealing memberand the retention pouch.